Basic Science Award

The antibody repertoire (AbR) is a component of the adaptive immune system that is capable of undergoing real-time coevolution with infectious pathogens. I aim to characterize the genetic interaction that takes place between the AbR and HIV over the course of acute infection and to infer coevolutionary genetic signatures to detect the specific loci engaged in this interaction. My approach has the potential to provide a systems level view of all AbR/HIV interacting sites and will illuminate how these interactions change over time. If successful, this research will provide insight into the rational design of drugs and vaccines, as well as provide novel methodologies that can be used to detect the epitopes being targeted by the AbR.